Would you care if your favorite state park was closed?
Would it impact your life, your neighbors or grandchildren, or your communities well being and income?
If you don’t want to see that happen, please contact your local legislators – ask them to vote no to SB 850!
SB 850
Senator MaryJo White has asked for a list of potential park closures in the event that Senate Bill 850 is enacted and the Governor’s Office has directed us to comply with the request. It is the administrations intent to make the list available early next week. The time to act is now.
There have been petitions circulated around the state designed to inform state officials of citizens concerns about the potential of closing state parks. This type of public involvement will go a long way and may have a positive impact on the decision makers. Please be very clear with folks that, if enacted it will be devastating to our state parks, visitors, staff and in services provided.
The bill represents a reduction of $11M from our current level of funding. People should not be complacent. If SB 850 were to be enacted we would be forced to close 35-40 parks, curtail some staff functions and furlough employees. The entire bureau will strongly feel the affects whether your park is on the list or not. This is fact.
If people are not happy about the prospects of what SB 850 does to our state parks and services they need to quickly and clearly let their state senator and representatives know. This will impact all park partners, users, and surrounding communities business and many schools. Many concessionaires and local businesses depend solely or heavily on the parks for their livelihood. Complaining to the bureau or the department will have no affect; the decision makers at this point are the legislators.
time to spread the word and make your voice heard is NOW. This is a reality.